Raymond L. Myers Obituary, Death: 85-Year-Old Cyclist Killed in Portland Crash Involving Suspected Drunk Driver

Raymond L. Myers Obituary, Death – A tragic bicycle crash over the weekend in Portland’s Centennial neighborhood has claimed the life of an 85-year-old man. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, near the intersection of Southeast 145th Avenue and Southeast Powell Boulevard, according to a statement from the Portland Police Bureau.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the cyclist, later identified as Raymond L. Myers, a Portland resident, suffering from serious injuries. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital. At the time, officials believed he would survive his injuries.
The driver involved in the crash, 54-year-old Hiep P. Tran of Portland, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. However, officers on-site reported noticing signs of impairment. Tran was subsequently taken into custody and booked into jail on charges of Assault in the Third Degree and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII).
Just one day later, on the morning of Monday, July 14, the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team received word that Myers had passed away from his injuries while hospitalized. Following this development, Tran’s charges were upgraded, and he was additionally charged with Negligent Homicide.
Authorities have not released specific details about how the crash occurred, including who had the right of way or the exact nature of Tran’s alleged intoxication. The case remains under investigation as crash reconstruction experts and detectives review evidence and witness accounts.
The Centennial neighborhood, located in Southeast Portland, is known for being a busy area with a mix of residential traffic and through-commuters. The intersection where the incident took place has raised safety concerns among some residents, who say they often see speeding and other risky driving behaviors in the area.
Myers’s death marks another grim reminder of the risks vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, face when sharing the road with motor vehicles—especially in situations involving impaired driving. His passing has shocked the local community, many of whom described him as an active and friendly neighbor who enjoyed staying mobile and independent.
As the investigation continues, Portland police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has additional information to contact the Major Crash Team. Authorities emphasized their commitment to thoroughly examining all aspects of the incident to ensure justice is served.
Tran remains in custody as the legal process proceeds, and it is not yet clear whether he has entered a plea or secured legal representation.
This fatal crash adds to growing concerns in Portland and other cities nationwide about the dangers posed by intoxicated driving and the vulnerability of older individuals traveling by foot or bicycle. Community leaders and advocates continue to call for stronger safety measures and public awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies in the future.